Apply for a child performance licence
A child under school leaving age may need a child performance licence from the council if they take part in certain performances and activities.
The person in charge of the event must apply for the licence at least 21 days before either:
- the date of the first performance
- the first date the child will have to be absent from school - for example, for rehearsals
As part of the application you will need to provide details about when and where the child will be performing, including:
- full details of the performance
- dates of the performances and rehearsals
- times of the performances and rehearsals
- the period of time that the activities will take place
Before you apply
You can check if you need a child performance licence before you apply.
To apply, you will need:
- 1 passport style photo of the child taken in last 6 months
- a copy of the child’s birth certificate
- details of a registered chaperone approved by the council who must be in charge of the child throughout the period covered by the licence - contact the local authority or the relevant organisation for their list of approved chaperones
If applicable, you may also need to provide a copy of the:
- risk assessment relating to the child’s role
- (draft) contract or other agreement relating to the child’s appearance in the performance
Make sure that you have read and fully understood the statutory requirements for the licence. Failure to comply may lead to the licence being revoked and possible prosecution.
Apply for a child performance licence
After you have applied
You will receive a confirmation email containing your unique reference ID. You can use this reference ID to track the progress of your application.
If your application is approved
We will send you the original copy of the licence.
We will also send copies to the:
- child’s school if absence is required
- parent, if applicable
- chaperone, if applicable
